
Insecticides India Limited (IIL) Launches New Herbicide Altair for Paddy Farmers in India
26 May 2025, Raipur: Insecticides India Limited (IIL) has announces the launch of Altair, a patented pre-emergent herbicide for paddy. Altair has been developed by Nissan Chemical Corporation, Japan and will be exclusively marketed by IIL in India.
Altair: A Breakthrough in Rice Herbicide Technology
Altair (Technical: Metazosulfuron 33% WG) provides broad-spectrum control against a wide range of weeds, including the most prominent and difficult ones such as Echinochloa crus-galli, Ammania, Cyperus species & many other tough to control weeds. Its formulation and efficacy are tailored specifically to the needs of Indian paddy farmers, who often contend with diverse and aggressive weed infestations.
Unlike conventional herbicides, Altair forms a protective barrier in the soil from day one of application. It should be applied within 0–3 days after transplanting. This early intervention prevents the emergence of weeds for an extended period—up to 40–50 days—offering lasting protection during critical early growth stages.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Ltd., said: “We are delighted to introduce Altair, another product from our partners Nissan in India. A breakthrough pre-emergent herbicide for paddy which checks the germination of majority of weeds in paddy. This launch is a testament to IIL’s commitment to delivering innovative and effective solutions that address the real challenges faced by Indian farmers. We are confident that Altair will become an indispensable tool for paddy growers across the country. With this launch, IIL aims to further strengthen its position as a leader in the crop protection segment and contribute to the prosperity of India’s farming community.”
Mr. Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer, Insecticides (India) Limited mentioned “Indian paddy farmers have been facing the challenges of manual Weeding, yield compromise, late intervention and multiple application of herbicides. The need for innovative, efficient, and safe weed management solutions has never been greater. We are happy that now they have a solution to their problems as Altair. We would also like to share that this has been demonstrated to more than 10000 farmers across geographies in more than 500 large plot demonstration during last one year. Farmers have found this more effective than their current herbicide.”
With easy application and consistent performance, Altair is a game-changer for rice farmers across India. It will be distributed through IIL’s extensive network, ensuring timely and widespread availability in all major paddy-growing regions. Added Mr. Manoj Singh Bhandari, Crop Manager – Rice, Insecticides (India) Limited.
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